4 comments about Vesco.

1. I would love to meet and greet the person the book is about. It is as if he has left no stone unturned. Mr. Vesco if you can read this please call me @ 1-313-577-6951. Thanks Carole McCormick.



2. VESCO:FROM WALL STREET TO CASTRO'S CUBA by Arthur Herzog is a riveting study of while-collar criminal, Robert Vesco, accused by the Securities Exchange Commission of looting Bernard Cornfeld's Investor's Overseas Service (IOS) of 425 million in 1986. Vesco fled the USA before he was brought to trial, presumably, taking the money with him. The ingredients of "game playing", secretiveness, manipulation, bravado, and a "slippery streak" mixed with a more than usual dose of greed and chutzpah is the foundation of the Vesco legend.
   Herzog looks at his ambitious childhood in Detroit, his early marriage at seventeen, and his knack of losing jobs. After awhile Vesco decides to start his own businesses, ultimately creating wealthy conglomerates. But Vesco did not work alone; he sought out and persuaded powerful, wealthy men to join him in his various get-rich schemes. After he left the country, he still had a line to the best attorneys to represent him and to powerful politicians to protect him, as he hop-scotched around the Caribbean--Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Nicaragua, Antigua, and eventually Castro's Cuba. It is here that Herzog catches up with the fugitive financier and gets the first interview ever with him. Ironically, Herzog's last question, "Bob, was it all worth it?" is left unanswered as Vesco scurries away.
   * * *



3. The book is about as good as any book could be, given the secrecy in which its main subject operated. It never gives the reader any clarity about why Vesco committed the crimes that made him famous (he could have made just about as much money legally, and would not have ended up in jail in Cuba as a result.) But in a case where little is known about what precisely happened, it is unfair to expect Herzog to explain why it happened. Anyway, this is the only book on Mr. Vesco that discusses his later career, and it sorely deserves an update. Required reading for any scholars of 1970s finance or Wall Street scandals.



4. Beyond the obvious research the author has done on the subject; he has painted a picture of one of those men in history who lived a colorful life at possibly the wong time. In today's world Robert Vesco would probably be a hero.

3 comments about Acquired of the Angels: The Lives and Works of Master Guitar Makers John D'Angelico and James L. D'Aquisto.

1. Unlike Leo Fender,Orville Gibson or C.F.Martin not much is generally known about these D'Angelico or D'Aquisto even though they are regarded as the greatest archtop builders in history. This book individually traces the lives and guitars of each man and features many rare and beautiful photographs.I found this book to be a fascinating insight into lives and work of two men who could only be described as the true masters of their craft.



2. Very good resource about 2 very gifted archtop luthiers from the last century.
   
   An excellent read for those wanting to know more about these very private guys.
   
   Ozzie
   Sydney, Australia



3. John D'Angelico and John D'Aquisto have been two of the finest luthiers that have existed. Its guitars archtops are icons s.XX. This book reveals the human and professional face of these two great geniuses. With superb photos in color and b/w. One of the best books I have read on guitar. Fantastic.

1 comments about John Wanamaker: Philadelphia Merchant (Signpost Biographies).

1. John Wanamaker: Philadelphia Merchant is a fast paced, well researched account of one of America's premiere retailers. The author, Herbert Ershkowitz ascribes Wanamaker's success to beliefs critical to new millenium themes. The importance of business to the community. Advertising as the key to marketing success. Religion as the foundation of society. Must reading for the biography buff; the marketing major; the proactive capitalist and the budding fashionista.

1 comments about Rocks Pebbles and Stones: Confessions of a Private Jeweler.

1. Gemstones and jewelry are some of the most conspicuous place-markers and semaphores in human culture. They communicate a host of messages, from blunt to sublime: economic muscle, class, family tradition, royal status, devotion, love and adoration, permanence. And precisely because they’re material markers for these strong statements, fine jewels -- as they pass from hand to hand -- leave interesting stories in their wake. Feldmesser captures these stories in an artful and charming voice.
   
   And if this isn’t enough, Feldmesser gives the reader an unusual peek into the workings of the jewelry business, which should appeal to more practical-minded readers. Read this book and you’ll learn more about what you’re paying for when you buy fine jewelry, and why – and the answers might surprise you.
   
   If you're interested in fine jewelry, this book is for you. You're unlikely to find such a combination of charm and distilled knowledge in another book.

No comments about Andrew Grove and the Intel Corporation (Notable Americans).

1 comments about Magna Cum Laude: How Frank Stronach Became Canada's Best-Paid Man.

1. In 1955, Frank Stronach arrives in Canada from his native Austria with little money in his pocket, but a world of dreams.
   
   From what was the opening of a machine shop two years later became a multi-billion dollar corporation in car-making and Thoroughbred racing. If there was ever a businessman who needed a biography done on his life, Stronach certainly goes to that winner's circle.
   
   Author Wayne Lilley utilizes his research and sources accumulated over the years as a business reporter to present the best public picture ever presented of Stronach and his businesses in this "unauthorized" biography.
   
   Stronach is known for keeping a very low profile and it certainly is within his purview not to cooperate with an author or any person in the media. But for Magna Cum Laude to be attacked by a company spokesman for inaccuracies is a bit disingenuous.
   
   For a reader who knows Stronach through his track ownership and Thoroughbred farms in the United States, the book may be just a bit premature. He has had recent successes with new tracks slated for construction in California and Pennsylvania & may be part of the ownership group to operate the Thoroughbred franchise in New York.
   
   But the "new" Gulfstream Park (Florida) took numerous hits from patrons and the slots plan has had to be scaled back due to a continuing adverse climate in state government. There are a list of tracks that are for sale - if only partially - and Stronach has had difficulty in maneuvering through the minefield that is politics at the local, state and federal levels.
   
   Many of these issues will be played out in 2007, hence additional material may be needed in a future edition. And if that is the case, I hope Stronach will find the time to sit down with Lilley to add even more punch to this excellent book.

No comments about India's Industrialists.

4 comments about Git Off the Porch! And Embrace Your Destiny.

1. Git Off The Porch is a typical 'Willie Crawford' book: nice and gentle story telling style, mixed with valuable information that lead to the 'Guru'-status Willie has today.
   
   A must have for everyone who wants to become successful, because Willie has taken the hard way to discover what it takes and that's what he writes about.
   
   Beside that, you will have a nice 'insight' in the different stages of the life of a poor boy and how he managed to establish himself as an expert in his field. Remarkable story that also teaches you how a hobby could grow into a six-figure income.
   
   Recommended wholeheartedly!
   
   Case Stevens



2. They would never make a movie based on this book because it is simply too good to be true. Yet this one is true -- and incredibly inspiring.
   
   The book itself is an easy read (and I might add that it was one that I did not want to put down). Coming from a background that would doom most people to a life of poverty, Willie has managed to succeed -- in spite of incredible obstacles -- in several areas, to include the United States Air Force and in business.
   
   I had the pleasure of meeting Willie at a conference where he was speaking. Quiet, unassuming, and incredibly people-oriented, Willie is simply an incredible individual who gives back what has been given to him. And now that his autobiography is available, everybody should read it. If it doesn't inspire you to be your best, then you need to check your pulse and call a mortician.



3. First, I need to be straight and honest with you...
   
   Willie Crawford is a dear friend.
   
   But don't let that admission color your opinion of this review. This book is important -- and belongs on your bookshelf.
   
   Why?
   
   Because this inspirational book explains in detail how a man can conquer any adversity placed in his path!
   
   I bought this book for not only myself, but for my daughter. I want her to see, not only from my example -- but from the example and lessons of "Uncle Willie" that she is FREE. She decides her future. No one else.
   
   She can be FREE of government. FREE of an employer. FREE of even a spouse. She can help herself to anything she wants in life!
   
   Buy this book for yourself. Buy it for your kids. Buy it for your loved ones.



4. I have had the pleasure of knowing Willie Crawford for the past few years and must say that he is one of the most inspiring human beings that I have ever know. Willie has a unique ability to overcome every excuse in life and instinctively know how to consistently achieve the high goals that he sets for himself. Willie Crawford's story is the ultimate proof that hard work and a positive mental attitude is all you need to overcome failure and recreate the life that you want for yourself.
   
   Joanne Mason
   [...]

5 comments about Trust No One : The Glamorous Life and Bizarre Death of Doris Duke.

1. After touring Doris Duke's summer home in Newport, RI, I became increasing intrigued with Ms. Duke. So I sought a book about her life and I came across Trust No One. At first, I felt the initial chapters were plodding and dry, but I realized after reading a few chapters this foundation was needed to understand the woman Doris Duke became. The first chapters did a thorough background on Doris' father and mother, Buck and Nanaline Duke. Doris' father was the love of her life and he taught her how to become an astute business woman before he died when she was 13 years old. Doris Duke was a very complex woman. She was a philanthropist, and a very saavy businesswoman who multiplied her fortune by billions. She was also an avid art collector, a self-taught botanist and, last but not least, a fine jazz musician. Doris was also very flawed: she was an alcoholic; a drug abuser; and, was anorexic. All of this is explained in great detail in the book. It was factual, but yet there was a human side to the story, and I found it to be a great read. In the end, money cannot buy happiness or love - not even for Doris Duke. (Written by Kathee Duncan)



2. I did not find the book particularly written well. It does not keep your interest going. There are no photos. But even more than this, is the subject matter--Doris Duke. I find her to be a very bad example of a human being. Who cares who much money she gave out. She was self absorbed and has made no significant contribution to this world.



3. The only reason I gave this one a '2' was that it's a very interesting look into Doris Duke's life with alot of insider perspective(one of the co-writers was her chef). However, this book looks entirely unedited and had atrocious spelling, grammer, mistakes ALL OVER and it was unacceptable.
   
   BIGGEST EXAMPLE: The author's name is spelled differently on the front cover and side binding. Was there ANYONE proofreading this book?
   
   Doris' was constantly spelled Doris'ss or Doris's and words didn't have spaces in between them.



4. It was very informative and much different than any movies I've seen on her life. I really enjoyed it.



5. Please don't buy this book. Its a rehash of info already covered in the mansfield and pony duke bios. Also the concluding chapters are just brutal as this clumsy author attempts to speculate on the motives of the motley crew surrounding doris at the end. An unconvincing, tacky, insensitive book that gives us no insight into the complex woman doris duke was.

3 comments about Isabella Greenway: An Enterprising Woman.

1. Isabella Greenway: An Enterprising Woman is the biography of an amazing woman, who played a crucial role in FDR's nomination for President. Married and widowed twice to two of Theodore Roosevelt's rough riders, an energetic businessperson who managed a ranch, an airline, and a resort, a leader who was elected to Congress as Arizona's only U.S. Representative, and was dubbed the "most talked-about woman" at the National Democratic Convention by the New York Times, her contribution to women's role in politics is nothing less than trailblazing. Illustrated with a scattering of black-and-white photographs, Isabella Greenway: An Enterprising Woman chronicles her life in a narrative manner as vibrant and evocative as Greenway herself must have once been.



2. Despite my years of interest in Arizona history (primarily 19th century), I never knew anything about Isabella Greenway beyond "the wife of Jack Greenway" (who I also knew almost nothing about).
   
   What an oversight! She was a remarkable woman and this book does an excellent job of bringing her to life through the many letters that she wrote to her family, friends (such as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt), and lovers.
   
   Growing up on the periphery of New York high society in the 1890s, she was the "poor cousin" who socialized with the Roosevelts, Astors and many others. Following her NY debut, she married a much older man and then spent fifteen years living on a ranch outside of Silver City, NM as she nursed him through a long struggle with tuberculosis. For several years their home was a pair of wooden-floored tents and she spent her days building callouses as she hauled water, chopped wood and tended the horses and chickens. What a change from New York society life! But, her letters reveal a spirit that remained positive throughout her ordeal and her family developed an intense love for the west and the ranching life.
   
   Her fortunes changed dramatically after the death of her husband when she married her longtime love, Jack Greenway, an extremely wealthy mining engineer and executive. Her happiness, however, was short-lived. Several years later, following her establishment of the Arizona Inn, she responded to a call to public service and ran successfully for Congress after transforming the Arizona Democratic party in her role as Arizona's National Democratic Committeewoman.
   
   Through her use of resources from the AHS' extensive Greenway collection (several hundred boxes of materials) Author Kristie Miller has revealed the most intimate thoughts of Isabella Greenway to compose a remarkable portrait of a most remarkable woman. It is very well written and reflects her meticulous research skills. Interestingly, while her public life is adequately covered, it was the glimpses into her personal relationships that intrigued me the most.



3. This is a biography that reads like an engrossing novel -- except that you'd never believe it as fiction. Isabella Greenway was not just enterprising; she was courageous, committed, visionary, passionate, a true pioneer. Miller, a brilliant historian and a graceful writer, makes Greenway and her era come alive. Each of her lives -- frontier woman, wife of two of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt (their letters are touching and illuminating), one of the first women elected to Congress -- is riveting reading.